Pleasure beach hit by fire

Blackpool Pleasure Beach was opening for business as usual today after fire ripped through one of its rides.

Patrolling security staff raised the alarm at about 9.20pm yesterday when they spotted the blaze.

Crowds of onlookers gathered as 10 Lancashire fire crews fought to contain the fire to the Grand National ride - a smaller version of a big dipper. Two other rides, Alice in Wonderland and Trauma Towers, were also damaged. The amusement park was closed to the public at the time, though witnesses said the crowd that quickly gathered had to be kept away by police.

A spokeswoman for the owners said a full investigation was now taking place.